CHICAGO (CNN) - President-elect Barack Obama will not be moving his family across the street from the White House early, despite his request to do so. Blair House, which incoming presidents traditionally occupy 5 days before inauguration day on January 15, is apparently booked in the early part of January.

An Obama transition spokesperson says the family initially "explored the idea" of moving into Blair House early so that daughters Sasha and Malia could start school on schedule. But the family was told there were previously-scheduled events and guests that could not be displaced.

"The Blair House, the President's guest house for visiting dignitaries, is available to President-elect Obama and his family starting January 15, as is historically the case," said Sally McDonough, spokeswoman for First Lady Laura Bush.

"As for any conversation, I don't comment on specific conversations about transition details."

The Obama transition spokesperson emphasized the White House has been "extremely accommodating" to the Obama family, adding that the entire process has been "smooth and friendly."

soundoff(1,230 Responses)

This seems to be a story to stir up something that is not there. Both sides are OK.

December 12, 2008 10:25 am at 10:25 am |

Ernie

OMG, Who is anyone to tell the Obama's that they CAN NOT move in there when they want to. Bless their hearts.

December 12, 2008 10:25 am at 10:25 am |

Tim in VA

Must be a racist thing. I can't believe they wouldn't clear all schedules for the Messiah.

December 12, 2008 10:27 am at 10:27 am |

CTP

I vote for Bush to move out early!

December 12, 2008 10:27 am at 10:27 am |

Rache from Bowie

Pls accomodate the President elect and his family or move Bush out of the White House early.

December 12, 2008 10:27 am at 10:27 am |

Senate Candidate 13

Is this the same place where Blago, Rezko, Wright, Ayers and JJ Jr will stay when they come to visit their dear, old friends?

December 12, 2008 10:28 am at 10:28 am |

Then one very important detail was missed

so friendly, nothing about the last 8 years was friendly

December 12, 2008 10:28 am at 10:28 am |

Laverne

That is crazy,! POTUS being denied such a request does not make sense.

December 12, 2008 10:28 am at 10:28 am |

Lynn in NM

Here's an idea. Get a hotel so the kids can start school on time. Any normal person would have to do this.

December 12, 2008 10:30 am at 10:30 am |

Molly

Who cares?

December 12, 2008 10:30 am at 10:30 am |

BS not Maverick

That is BS, They need to put those so called guest in motel 6

December 12, 2008 10:31 am at 10:31 am |

A month and change

It will be a welcome change to have a first-lady with some brains and ambition in the White House. Laura Bush has simply been inept in using her position as First Lady to promote social issues...unless you count the spread of Evangelical Christianism a "social issue." I don't find it surprising at all that they would deny the Obama family access to the Blair House early. Why would we expect anything but the status quo from our current administration?

December 12, 2008 10:31 am at 10:31 am |

Moxiegurl

That's just cold to put the family out of the house. But then again that what the Bush Administration does.....

Put people out on the street. Is it January 20th yet?

December 12, 2008 10:32 am at 10:32 am |

Larry

The Obama transition spokesperson emphasized the White House has been "extremely accommodating" to the Obama family, adding that the entire process has been "smooth and friendly."We just thought we would push the envelope and see how far we could get.

December 12, 2008 10:33 am at 10:33 am |

Nice Girl

No room in the Inn for the Messiah? this is totally UNACCEPTABLE!

December 12, 2008 10:33 am at 10:33 am |

xcusme

5.....4.....3.....2.....1 who will be the 1st negative poster for today. For all the negative posters it is a request not a demand.

December 12, 2008 10:34 am at 10:34 am |

Laura, Boston

Hey, they are subject to having to wait just like every other family who took office who had children.

I am sure Chelsea had school (since the Obama girls are going to the same one) also, did Bill and Hillary move in Blair House early? Probably not or the article would have mentioned it.

Also, the Obama's certainly have the money to rent a suite for 10 days until they can move into Blair House.

It would be tacky to move foreign dignitaries to a hotel (seeing how we are trying to improve our relations with foreign countries).

December 12, 2008 10:36 am at 10:36 am |

irishchar

That's unbelievable! I'm sure that there are other accomodations that could be made for whoever it is that they have on the schedule. It would be a request from the current POTUS for pete's sake. I doubt they we get a no for an answer.....

December 12, 2008 10:37 am at 10:37 am |

JAE

Typical jigs. They try to push themselves right in. WAIT YOUR TURN. You'll be in there soon enough, unfortunately!

December 12, 2008 10:37 am at 10:37 am |

Dadi

Fair enough!

December 12, 2008 10:37 am at 10:37 am |

Adam

He isn't the POTUS yet! Follow the tradition. Obama really isn't that special as we are all beginning to see (brought back a Clinton-era Cabinet, has gone back on multiple campaign promises, etc. – and he isn't even POTUS yet)!!!

December 12, 2008 10:37 am at 10:37 am |

This is only the beginning

Expect to see more of this as he gets closer to the inauguration.
The haters are still out there.